Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To enter a place or vehicle forcibly or illegally: To gain entry by force, often with the intent to steal. 2. To begin suddenly or abruptly (an action, sound, or expression): To start doing something suddenly, often a physical action, a vocal sound like singing or crying, or a particular pace of movement. 3. To successfully enter a field or profession: To become established in a new area, especially one that is difficult to join.

Usage and Examples

• Forcible/Illegal Entry:
  • Thieves broke into the warehouse last night.
  • The police had to break into the apartment to rescue the child.
• Beginning Suddenly:
  • As the music started, she broke into a big smile.
  • The audience broke into applause at the end of the performance.
  • He was so upset he broke into tears.
• Entering a Field:
  • It's very hard for new companies to break into the smartphone market.
  • She worked for years to break into journalism.

Advanced Usage

• "Break into a run/gallop": To suddenly start running or (for a horse) galloping.
  • When he saw the bus leaving, he broke into a run.
• "Break into a sweat": To suddenly start sweating, often from nervousness or exertion.
  • Just thinking about the exam makes me break into a sweat.

Variants and Related Words

• Break-in (noun): An instance of illegally entering a building.
  • The store was closed due to a break-in.
• Breakthrough (noun): A sudden, important development or success.
  • The scientist made a major breakthrough.

Synonyms

• Burst into: (For sudden beginnings, especially sounds or emotional expressions) burst into
• Force entry into: (For illegal entry) forced entry into
• Penetrate: (For entering a market or field) penetrate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Break in: To enter a building illegally; to interrupt; to make something less stiff with use.
  • Someone tried to break in while we were away. (illegal entry)
  • "That's not true," he broke in. (interrupt)
• Break out of: To escape from a place.
  • The prisoners broke out of jail.

Related Idioms

• Break new ground: To do something innovative.
  • This research breaks new ground in cancer treatment.
• Break the ice: To make people feel more relaxed in a social situation.
  • He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

Verb

1. change pace
   • The dancers broke into a cha-cha
   • The horse broke into a gallop
2. express or utter spontaneously
   • break into a yodel
   • break into a song
   • break into tears